Many jewelers use an ultrasonic cleaner to get your gems looking as good as the day you bought them. The machine works by generating high-frequency sound waves inside a tank of water that cause cavitation, the rapid creation and collapse of microscopic vacuum bubbles that scrub away at the surface of your jewelry at the atomic level. If you want to get your jewelry to sparkle the way it did when you got it, this is the best way to do it.
For the rest of us, the best option for regular home jewelry cleaning is a liquid jewelry cleaner. These products typically contain a mixture of chemicals designed to break down oil, lotions, and other substances that build up on gemstones and metals over time. A few drops of the liquid mixed with warm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush will often remove most tarnish and other grime. You should try to clean your jewelry about twice a week, as dirt and oil will build up over time.
Some of the best jewelry cleaners are also designed specifically for a particular type of metal or gem. These formulas are typically gentle enough to be used on a daily basis, and they’re usually safe for pearls, opals, turquoise, plated silver, and most fashion jewelry, but they may not be suitable for heirloom pieces or other delicate materials. In addition, some tarnish-removal methods, such as a quick dip in Windex or ammonia, can actually wear down the outer layer of your jewelry, so these solutions are best reserved for emergencies.
We’ve found that the best jewelry cleaners come in kits that include a jar of pre-mixed cleaning solution, a drop-in plastic tray to hold your rings, necklaces, and earrings, and a small brush and polishing cloth to help loosen any stubborn residue. The Simple Shine Complete Jewelry Cleaner is one of the best we’ve tried, and it comes in a small, travel-friendly bottle that makes it easy to pack. This jewelry cleaner is safe for all metals and most gemstones, but we wouldn’t recommend it for opals, pearls, and other soft, porous stones, or plated jewelry, as submerging these items in water can damage them.
Most tarnish is caused by sulfur and oxygen, which can react with your jewelry to leave a dulling film. Using the wrong jewelry cleaner or abrasive methods can also scratch your metal or gemstones, leaving them dull and scratchy. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to visit a professional jeweler every six months or so for a thorough cleaning and polishing. You can also keep your jewelry clean between visits by soaking them in a solution of equal parts warm water and baking soda for up to 12 hours. Then rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
